Heads up, Portland drivers and commuters: expect some delays starting tomorrow on SW Fourth Avenue. The thoroughfare is set to get a fresh layer of asphalt as the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) kicks off the second phase of its paving project. This round of work will focus on the stretch between SW Lincoln and SW Harrison Streets, right around the Portland State University area. One lane will stay open, but parking will be a no-go in the construction zone.
The second phase of paving work starts today, the result of the previous pavement's severe deterioration. Cracks have spread, allowing water to seep below the surface and compromise the road base. PBOT will be digging deep to get to the root of the problem doing a full-depth reconstruction of this section of SW Fourth Avenue, as reported by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The existing pavement that's seen better days will be excavated, and after fixing the base, a new layer of asphalt will settle into place. The idea is to create a drive that'll last for ages.
Timed to coincide with the local schools' Spring Break, the project aims to cause as little disruption as possible. If the weather cooperates, this phase should wrap up by March 30. This follows hot on the heels of similar work completed last summer on SW Fourth Avenue's western side. Even with these efforts to minimize impact, those who travel by car, bike, or public transportation should plan for a longer trip, especially during rush hours.
Starting March 20, Exit 1B from the I-405 northbound will be closed off—the detour directs drivers to use Exit 1C instead. PBOT expects that the Fourth Avenue exit will be back in business by the afternoon of March 30, depending on how the skies look. For those who park their cars at PSU’s 4th Avenue Parking Garage, take note: access gets cut off from the morning of March 29 until the following evening, per the Portland Bureau of Transportation statement.
